A traditionally decorated home appeals to
anyone who wants to create a comfortable
home; who prefers neutral and jewel-tone
colours and enjoys the peace and harmony
a traditional decorating style can evoke. It is
also a style that places emphasis on symmetry
and proportion, where items are evenly spaced
with a formal feel throughout the room, yet still
manage to create a home that is warm and
welcoming.
Create the look...
Some of our older homes frequently have
their original mouldings, pressed ceilings and
detailing that partner perfectly with this refined
decor style. While in a more modern home this
can be achieved with the addition of dado
and picture rails,
decorative crown
moulding, panelling,
architraves and faux
paint techniques
to create the look
of aged wood,
distressed ivory,
murals, gilding and
various other effects.
Playing with colour
Colour in a traditional room is often in a midrange
of tones, though very dark and very
light colours can also be used. Pretty multicolour
florals are often the basis of a traditional
colour scheme that uses the lightest colour on
the walls and deeper hues for upholstery and
flooring.
Consider deep reds, golds, ochre, muted
greens alongside neutrals, black and white
to combine with the rich, deep patina of
reproduction furniture and hardwood floors
to form the basis of a colour scheme for the
traditional home decorating palette.
For a more modern take on a traditional style,
add a lighter colour palette. Walls washed in
taupe, off-white, pale lavender or green.
Soft furnishings
Fabrics and furniture are the focus of traditional
style - without being too obvious. Brocades,
velvets and tapestries are used in abundance
for layered window treatments and furniture.
Comfortable living room or dining furniture
is upholstered with patterned fabrics and
accessorised with scatter cushions for that soft,
comfortable look.
Furniture and reproduction pieces
Statement pieces with straight lines and gentle
curves are key, and exposed wood mixed with
upholstery is essential. Ornate or gilded mirrors,
artwork that is inspired by nature, or hand
embroidered pieces are very popular. The
important thing is getting few accessories that
are bold and attract the eye, in this situation
you want less but want them to say more.
The room arrangement should be centred and
paired, with furniture at right angles from each
other for a balanced look. If you’re going to
have one floor lamp, better make it two. Even
and symmetrical is the goal. Be on the lookout
for pieces that work together in symmetry and
can be arranged in a harmonious manner to
complement each other.
Classic lighting
Lighting a room is done with a combination of
table and standing lamps with silk shades, brass
or pewter wall sconces, and could include
crystal chandeliers.
When decorating a traditional room the
emphasis is always on comfort. A traditional
room decorated with furniture in classic shapes
and styles - despite how formal it may look - is
always an invitation to make yourself at home.
|
